LATERALUS

This album while it is not exactly my taste of music, is one I have to admit is the most progressive 'mainstream' album I've heard in the 00s. It contains complex time signatures, dark king crimsonish compositions, and album flow. The lyrics are very philosophical and a little hard to grasp, but even so, the singer is easy to like, and I have no idea how he can hold notes for so long. The guitarist is not a virtuoso, but he has good riffs at his disposal. The drummer is one of the best I've heard, because he prefers art over speed, using his drumkit in a unique, and the bass player has a great think lead sound. Most of the music here depends on rhythm, and it's worth it: it makes the music almost hypnotic.

1. The Grudge: Great way to start the album. This is a very hard rock song that sets the tone of the album. The rhythms are extremely captivating.

2. Eon Blue Apocalypse : a bridge between 2 songs, the guitar work here is elegant and beautiful.

3. The Patient: A song that relies on a slow buildup into a tremendous climax. The choruses has excellent harmony between the instruments and the multiple vocals.

4. Mantra : another bridge.

5. Schism: A classic tool song, and it doesn't disappoint at all. Having a great bass line that sounds like something Chris Squire would play, and a catchy vocal hook, this song deserves to be in the radio, even if it has complicated rhythms. The most impressive part is the middle section, in which a splendid distorted guitar riff creates the wall of division that this song represents. 6/7. Parabol/Parabola: It begins with a very mellow and dark instrumental section with a dominating and memorable bass riff, then it gets into the song which might seem the most commercial of the album and reminds me of Nirvana. The song is very energetic and is possibly among the only songs here that sound positive. A simple yet effective repetitive distorted guitar solo is played at the end and really works. It sounds as if the guitar is suspended into the air.

8. Ticks & Leeches: The only song in which The singer screams! I don't know how on earth the man can scream like that, it is really impressive. This song sounds like Heavy Metal, and could have fit in the first albums of Tool. It also contains another bass driven mellow section which never fails to amaze me. It is repetitive, but suspenseful. This is one of my least favorite tunes here because it seems a bit out of place and the screaming, while impressive, is not my cup of tea.

9. Lateralus: This song is a masterpiece! Starting with a bass/guitar slow riff, then getting into a guitar jam, and after that, into the verse which contains a powerful vocal performance (flirting with mathematics in its arrangements), and very interesting drumming from Carey. The highlights of this song are the verses, the slow buildup in the middle, and the chaotic finale.

10. Disposition: This makes me think of Radiohead being influenced by King Crimson. It is mellow, soft, beautiful, yet sounds dark. It is important to pay attention to the drumming here as well as the creative use of the bass guitar, which might be one of the most captivating bass lines I've heard in years.

11. Reflection: A continuation of Disposition. My favorite song from the album by a long shot and possibly the best song Tool has ever done up to this point. While it may seem overlong, it is just too good and varied to keep you bored. Here is where the rhythm section of Tool is at its best. Besides, this song is very hypnotic, experimental and progressive. I have never heard anything like this before and it takes me to a musical journey through my mind. A modern masterpiece!

12. Triad: This is the band in adrenaline, with heavy guitar riffs all over the song. I think it is a disappointing, atonal ending. Reflection is a better ending.

13. Faaip De Oiad ("Secret" track) : umm, this is completely pointless. It sounds very scary, but I feel it is very out of place in the album. I usually eject the disc before this part plays.

The Tool fans are right, this is a masterpiece! It is very well produced and arranged. It is highly experimental while being very listen able and the band is outstanding in the way they move you with the instruments and rhythms alone. Even after a 20th listen, the album keeps growing on me because of its complexity.

My Grade : A